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CHRISTCHURCH, Friday, (AFP) - Pakistan defeated England by six wickets to set-up a clash with arch-rivals India in the Super League next week as the tightest group in the first round of the ICC Under-19s World Cup was decided in Christchurch on Friday.

Man of the match Khaqan Raja hit 62 off 76 balls to move Pakistan into top spot in group C, ahead of England on run rate.

Nepal's dream of qualifying for the Super League was ended despite beating Papua New Guinea by 65 runs, with their run rate inferior to England's.

Pakistan will now play India, the West Indies and Sri Lanka in Super League group one, with England, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand in group two.

The Indian government has banned its senior-level cricketers from playing Pakistan because of the current tensions between the neighbouring countries.

But Indian cricket board secretary Niranjan Shah said the policy would not affect the youth tournament.

"The government knows that we are participating in the under-19 World Cup in New Zealand and the team was given permission with the knowledge that India might have to play Pakistan," he said.

"There is no problem regarding the same."

The Plate Championship in Auckland will see Bangladesh, Papua New Guinea, Zimbabwe and Kenya in group one, while Nepal, Canada, Scotland and Namibia will contest group two.

After suffering a surprise defeat to Nepal earlier in the week Pakistan had to beat England to qualify for the Super League, and they got off to a good start by bowling out their opponents for 182.

The Super League begins on Sunday with India playing the West Indies and Pakistan meeting Sri Lanka in Christchurch. In the Plate Championship Bangladesh take on Papua New Guinea and Zimbabwe face Kenya.

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